Customer Reviews

Long, Tall Texans (Calhoun, Justin, and Tyler)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Although I enjoy reading DP's books, I get tired of the repetition. Sometimes I think if you have read one of her books then you have read them all. The heroines are usually naive virgins who don't know how to dress and put up with too much from the heros. The heros usually behave badly until they quit fighting their feelings for the heroine. And all the jewelry stores only sell emerald solitairs. Reguardless of all this the stories are usually good. Some are better than others. But I do wish the women had careers, backbones, and didn't need a makeover. Justin was my favorite in this book because Shelby didn't need a makeover or seem so naive.

This was the first book by Diana Palmer that I read. And it was where I fell in love with the Long Tall Texan's. I loved the tension between the characters. And would have to say that Calhoun's story would have to be my favorite with Justin coming behind closely in second. This book was great a definite keeper!

I adore Diana Palmer for the most part. I can't relate to the "modern" heroines that have been coming out of books in recent years and hers are usually old fashioned and virginal and the men bring them out of their shells. I have a similar personality to those basic qualities. But there is a such thing as being too stuck on the same story.

First of all, does she watch soap operas and think that's how people really talk? I have never once said to a man, "It's so sweet!" when being kissed and yet every one of her romantic characters says it at least once in every book I've ever read by her. And every hero I've ever read by her calls the heroine "little one". These women are innocent to the point of being ridiculous! Particularly Shelby who was the eldest and the most immature. I couldn't figure out why a guy like Justin would even be interested in her! 27 years old is a bit old to be embarrassed and completely imbecilic about sex. Abby and Nell were reproductions of the same character and has anyone else noticed that in nearly every book DP writes her heroines end up staying home to have kids? And of course then they talk about it like it's the best thing that's ever happened to them. I love melodrama - it's why I continued to put up with her half-hearted efforts in every book over these past few years - but this is suspending disbelief a bit too much. And does she have an Oedipus complex? The heros treat the heroines almost like children, but then the heroines ACT like children. Still, at least the stories were interesting enough to get me engrossed even as I was wincing at the silliness of her heroines. That's why it got two stars rather than one.

Yes this is how I describe Calhoun-Handsome, Justin-Wonderful and Tyler-Mr Tease. Yes all three stories were wonderful stories. I loved every second of all three and I have re-read them many times. Must read, funny, loving and touches your heart!

Three great stories in one. This trilogy has a little bit of everything and will surely please every romance novel fan. In the first story, Abby, the not-quite step-sister of Calhoun and Justin spends her days dreaming of the playboy Calhoun. He finally sees her as a woman but still fights the idea of marrige. In the second story even though Justin believes six years ago Shelby broke their engagment to date a richer man, when bankruptcy hits her, Justin offers to marry Shelby to give her a roof over her head. He fears intimacy with her because he doesn't want to risk his heart again and she fears it with him because he loses control around her. But, in the end, they cannot resist each other. In the final story Nell believes herself unlovable and unattractive men but Tyler is bound to set her straight. Overall a great novel

I am a big Palmer fan, and I especailly like the sexual tension and frank dialogue that she writes for her characters. That exists in spades in these three stories, and the plotlines are all unique enough to keep me interested. My only complaint would be that for all the steamy build up, only one of the stories gives us a complete love scene. Palmer writes those so well in other books that I have come to expect them, and was disappointed not to get the payoff in all three stories here.

Justin's story deserved 5 stars. Justin and Shelby were great together. They loved each other so much even with all their misunderstandings. And you felt all the emotions.

Calhoun's story was the worst one of the three stories in this book. Too much conflict and the heroine ,Abby, was very immature.

Tylor's story was okay but it was mostly boring.The hero was very likeable and that was the only good thing about this book. I didn't understand Nell, the heroine. The whole book was about her insecurity and the tramatic experience in her pass. And then she becomes friends with the person who was responsible for it and she say's it was partly her fault.

Note to reader: These stories were originally published in 1988. Three 30'ish men: Cajhoun, Justin, Tyler. Three girl/women: Abby, Shelby, Nell. The author submits to you that three mature, experienced men fall into the loving spell of three virgin girls. It works if you have that kind of imagination. Calhoun and Abby's story: can you say taboo? Stupid and completely unbelievable. The story of Justin and Shelby did indeed deserve 5 stars on it's own merit. The depth of emotion between Justin and Shelby was heartbreaking and conveyed in a very real sense. The story of Tyler and Nell was boring but showed a bit of promise when Tyler told Nell that if she wanted him, come get him. If this had been earlier in the story, and had actually chronicled Nell's attempts to "get" Tyler, it could have been quite hilarious. It's almost hard to believe that all three stories were written by the same author. All in all: so much potential, so little satisfaction.

Well this is six years and eight months later and these stories still have the same appeal.

Calhoun is 32, with a great build?, blond streak hair and extremely handsome with Abby, his ward just 3 months shy of 21.
Justin is 37, tall dark and rugged and Shelby Jacob is 27 with black hair and green eyes [just like her brother, Tyler].
You can see that all the men have issues and the women [Oh God forbid, according to you] are virgins.

Such a refreshing pattern after all the immoral and progressive? women being written about. You do not get the impression that these women devalued their virginity or were easy and available to any man. I will admit that I am ashamed of the general run of the mill, so-called women of today.

These stories were originally written in the Desire series, therefore the length of the story was limited and not enough space given for expanding the story line. All in all, not bad for '88.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for very refreshing stories with attempts but no bed hopping. [grin]Thank God. Has anyone got a cover they would part with? Mine from 94 is entirely different. Love them cowboys.

I've just recently discovered Diana Palmer's books but I'm fast becoming addicted. Calhoun is an arrogant playboy & the way he treats Abby for most of their story makes me want to hit him, but he redeems himself. It helps that the author gives insight into his thoughts & behavior. Justin is my favorite of the 3 men & the story of how he & Shelby broke up when they were engaged just broke my heart. I was really happy that they were able to overcome the hurts of the past. Tyler is a likeable guy but I didn't really care for Nell, she's really immature & irritating, IMO.